SPIED on the STREET? Is A Tesla Exec Driving An EXTRA Special Model 3? Is It What We THINK It Could Be?

SPIED on the STREET? Is A Tesla Exec Driving An EXTRA Special Model 3? Is It What We THINK It Could Be?
Spotted by a friend of AutoSpies, Fred Khaz, this weekend was a Tesla slightly different than the others. 

Tesla's Chief Designer was snapped driving around SoCal in a red Model 3. That shouldn't come as much of a surprise given his role at the automaker.

What does make it newsworthy, however, are the modifications to his particular Model 3. This includes a bigger wheel/tire package, what appears to be upgraded brakes featuring red calipers and Tesla spelt out across the rear hatch a la Porsche. 

This follows on a spy video taken at the Tesla test track where a suspected performance Model 3 does a launch, coincidentally, right in front of the camera. It looks faster than the claimed zero to 60 time of 5.1 seconds for the long-range Model 3 currently available. 

What say you, Spies? Are we getting an early peek at the new performance-oriented Model 3?




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SanJoseDriverSanJoseDriver - 1/24/2018 4:26:19 AM
-3 Boost
My guess is this is the Performance version (look at the break calipers). Since there is absolutely no branding in the back of the Model 3 besides the "T" logo, it would make sense if they write out TESLA to differentiate it from the other models. That is also what they did for the Roadster.


TomMTomM - 1/24/2018 6:42:13 AM
+7 Boost
Again - another stillborn version that would have to be much more expensive than the $35,000 version.

Since MOST of the current deposits are for the most affordable version - you have to question WHY they are only producing high content models - as they did originally with the Model S as well. Until they actually are producing that $35,000 version in quantity AND making a profit - it seems that they are doing everything to avoid producing it. MAYBE it is because the price of Lithium has actually gone UP rather than down to the levels they say it would go to.


SanJoseDriverSanJoseDriver - 1/24/2018 1:34:43 PM
-5 Boost
From my understanding the next variant is the $35k base model, then the two AWD models, then the performance version. You can already see placeholders for the base model and AWD in the configurator. This has to be an early prototype.


MDarringerMDarringer - 1/24/2018 8:18:23 AM
+3 Boost
This is patently insulting to the customers foolishly waiting for a Model 3. This is par for the course from an unethical company like Tesla.


SanJoseDriverSanJoseDriver - 1/24/2018 1:37:37 PM
-3 Boost
There is nothing unethical about working on a future model, the base one is scheduled to come first. Should be ready by March.

The performance model will have the highest margin, if it was me I would have released this one first before the base model.


vdivvdiv - 1/24/2018 11:42:55 AM
-2 Boost
Sorry buddies, the Model 3 is not going away, it is here to give you nightmares every night :p

It is time to ask, what are the rest of the automakers really doing to answer to the Model 3. Are they going to ignore it for another 5 years as they did with the Model S?


SanJoseDriverSanJoseDriver - 1/24/2018 1:40:25 PM
-3 Boost
Sure, and how many imevs were sold? If you look at the feature list for for the Model 3, it blows any other $35k car out of the water (included 4G LTE, best mapping solution, GPS-based garage opener, phone as a fob). The design is polarizing, but I think it will win out in the long run whether or not you like it today.


trboaccordtrboaccord - 1/24/2018 1:49:37 PM
+7 Boost
4G LTE is worthless nobody needs that, mapping cane be done from a phone, garage door opener is built into most cars but if not its a freaking remote, phone key fob what happens if your phone dies or glitches or any other error... none of these things make this car wayyyyyy better that other $35k cars so please try again.. better yet don't bother anybody with half a brain knows the model 3 is a complete waste of money


SanJoseDriverSanJoseDriver - 1/26/2018 2:04:26 AM
+1 Boost
4G is critical for self-driving functionality, and Tesla was the first to have a high speed cellular connection in the car. Tesla has the only Nav that is worth using over the one in your phone, that should tell you something (due to the LTE and the screen size).

The garage door opener is automatic, no button press... you just pull up to the garage and the GPS will trigger the door to open/close. Pretty damn cool feature no other car has.

If you phone dies, there are also two credit-card sized NFC keys that you can keep in your wallet. You have can use either.

I haven't listened to FM in years... no point when you have a premium version of Slacker radio built into the car for free.


mre30mre30 - 1/24/2018 2:21:16 PM
+4 Boost
Who cares?

Go visit a Tesla store and sit in a Model 3. Listen to the Tesla sales-nerd tell/demonstrate everything the central screen does. Try to operate it yourself. If you are over 25 years old, try to avoid squinting and trying to find where to press on the screen to, for example, turn on the wipers. Its impossible. If the accidents start piling up, NHTSA will be recalling the whole of the Model 3 lineup because it is virtually impossible to operate without being distracted from the road (and hazards) ahead.

The central screen is really cool in pictures but in real life, I predict it will be a huge hazard.

San Jose - have you sat in an actual Model 3 yet? To imaging roads full of Model 3's is friggin' scary.


SanJoseDriverSanJoseDriver - 1/26/2018 2:10:21 AM
+1 Boost
I have (but only for 2 minutes), I loved it. The screen is closer to the driver than a Model S, it was easier for me to hit. You get used to it really quickly. I thought I would be annoyed without a screen above the wheel, but it is easy to see in your peripheral vision. Try a test drive when they are available.

As soon as the AWD version and the small battery are available, I'm going to trade in my S for one. I already have my email to configure a 3.
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